With that in mind, here’s a selection of some of Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ spookiest critters. Looks may be skin deep, but there’s plenty of room to be shallow as far as these unsettling neighbors go.
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Biskit
Anyone familiar with one of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s earliest episodes likely has an ingrained terror of cartoon dogs with white, soulless eyes, but that kind of priming isn’t necessary to find Biskit unsettling. His trademark catchphrase “dog” feels as hollow as his eyes; fingers crossed there’s an exorcism mechanic on the horizon, so Biskit can be freed of whatever’s possessing him.
Lucky
This endearing and ironically named pup is well within the bracket of spooky rather than terrifying, but questions remain about what really happened to him. Having a permanent bandage wrap is one thing, but what about that glowing yellow eye? Whatever misfortune befell Lucky, it’s hard to shake the feeling that some dark magic is keeping him upright.
Coco
She’s harmless, but staring into the void of her eyes (or lack thereof) is not a healthy way to pass the time. Based on Haniwa, clay statues that the Japanese used in burial rituals over 1500 years ago, the macabre undertones of Coco’s inspiration only add to her spookiness. Still, as personalities go, Coco’s is warm enough to keep her from going over the edge and becoming a full-blown horror.
Naomi
Armed with a snooty personality and a bold attitude for eye shadow, Naomi’s clear penchant for devil worship is enough to spook even the hardiest of islanders. Repeated attempts to have her removed via some covert snitching to Isabelle have been fruitless, and it has to be assumed that Naomi’s friends in the underworld have got her back.
Nibbles
Lifted straight from the classic “Woodland Critter Christmas” episode of South Park, Nibbles lives a life of restraint. There is no telling, however, of when she will attempt to enlist you in her old Satanic practices, or if some of her debauched friends will ever stop by to use another islander as a vessel for the Antichrist. Cute, yes, but deception is the name of the Woodland Critter game.
Cherry
She’s sisterly, she’s kind, and she’s endearingly crafty. There’s no escaping the fact, however, that spider webs are well within the spooky category - if her spidery eyeliner wasn’t spooky enough, her love for web-inspired clothes is a clear indicator that Cherry haunts houses in her spare time.
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Pietro
It would be a truly lame oversight to miss Pietro off this list. While official statistics are difficult to come by, it’s said that Pietro was the original trigger for coulrophobia. True or not, he remains in fine form for causing lifelong aversions to circuses. The garish, pastel colors, the shiny nose, the unfortunate fashion sense, and the thick red smile plastered to his dead-eyed face are truly the stuff of nightmares. Assuming that there are people out there who actively like them, it’s safe to assume they too would find Pietro to be far spookier than your average clown.
Raddle
It’s never a bad thing to have a physician nearby, but there’s something a little spooky about heading to the coast in a lab coat and face mask for a spot of afternoon fishing. Not only that, but Raddle’s lazy personality hardly inspires confidence in his medical skills. Still, if ever an accident on the island requires surgery, going under anesthetic to the sight of Raddle over, say, Pietro, is definitely preferred.
Ribbot and Sprocket
Terminator, I, Robot, Star Wars, Blade Runner, The Matrix… trusting robots doesn’t often end well in the movies. Ribbot and Sprocket seem friendly enough, but treacherous robots often do. For instance, why are these two gym-focused characters so obsessed with fitness and training? Surely a robot only needs regular oiling and a nightly battery charge to keep well, so what are these two preparing for? When the machines take over, it’s fair to assume the super-optimized Ribbot and Sprocket will be leading the charge. Spooky as they are, maybe befriending them would be a wise move.
Mathilda
“Always two there are, no more no less. A master and an apprentice.”
Mathilda and her joey are Animal Crossing’s resident Sith lords, living out in the open with their fire-colored eyes, pitch-black fur, and black house. Having had their lightsabers confiscated by Tom Nook, Mathilda and her joey are currently engaging in the age-old Sith habit of biding their time until the right moment to strike. They won’t rest until every New Horizons island has been unified under their Empire. Mathilda does the talking and her snooty demeanor is a juicy slice of classic Sith arrogance, but maybe there’s still hope for her young joey to return to the light.
Anchovy
With those wide eyes, thick eyebrows, and curtains fringe, Anchovy is that friend that seems a little too invested in the relationship. Look outside the window and there he is, staring at the house, waiting with another unwanted gift, begging for a restraining order.
Muffy
Arguably the most deliberately spooky islander, Muffy is a true goth sweetheart. She (presumably) loves Bram Stoker, she’s a big fan of Smashing Pumpkins, and she’s got everyone’s back. As her beloved Billy Corgan once sang: “She’s the one for me, she’s all I really need.”
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available now for Nintendo Switch.
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